The School Board of District 261 met in regular session on August 24, 2006 in the Media Center of the School. Chairman Rylander called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with members Bestul, Graham, LaRue, Risbrudt, Rylander, and Wing present. Absent: Nelson. Also present were Allan Jensen, Roger Jansen, Renee Melby, Lori Risbrudt teacher representative, Val Fick, and Donna Jean Grover.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mrs. Wing moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. LaRue. MCU.

Mrs. Graham moved to approve the following consent agenda:

Approval of July 20, 2006 minutes.

YTD Financial Report.

Approval of bills: July Hand-payables: $26,357.13, July Wire Transfers: $24,302.84, and August bills: $50,001.70.

Mr. LaRue seconded. MCU.

Communication/DelegationsVal Fick presented the suggestion to promote and market our school and community due to the development of new industry in the Fergus Falls area which will bring new jobs with people looking for housing and schools. Donna Jean Grover presented some real estate information in the Ashby School District. She expressed a desire to have a brochure of the Ashby School available for her clients. The Marketing Committee consisting of Sharyn Graham, Scott LaRue, and Suzanne Wing will update the current brochure.

Chairman Rylander read a thank you note from Grant Finkelson for supporting the 2006 Challenge Academy.

Board ReportsMr. LaRue and Mr. Risbrudt reported on the Western Minnesota Schools Summit that they attended. The emphasis of the group was Collaboration not Consolidation. Eighteen districts were invited with ten districts represented at the meeting.

Mrs. Wing reported on the Special Ed Coop training that she attended. She also reported on the MSBA Summer Seminar.

Mr. Nelson written report on Region I was distributed.

Principal’s ReportMr. Jansen reported on the following:

Preparations are ready for the school year to begin. Workshop will begin Wednesday, August 30th, 8:30 AM with a welcome back breakfast. Thursday, August 31st the staff will attend a joint workshop with area schools in Battle Lake. Open House will be that evening 4:00 – 8:00 pm, with 7th Grade Orientation at 6:00 pm, cake and coffee honoring Linda Boe’s retirement from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, and Community Pep Fest at 7:30 pm.

Enrollment is possibly going to show a slight increase.

Fall Sports have begun.

Training was held for the Elementary staff for the new math curriculum. Their will be a parent meeting held in September.

Superintendent’s ReportMr. Jensen reported on the following:

Workshop for all staff on Thursday, August 31st will be held in Battle Lake in cooperation with Battle Lake, Evansville, Henning, and Underwood with a speaker and break out sessions by departments.

The new bus should arrive in September.

The building is ready for school to begin. The concrete project has been completed.

Governor Pawlenty spoke to the group at the MSBA Conference. There seems to be a push for STEM Education in the future (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Mr. Nelson joined the meeting at 8:00 pm.

Discussion ItemsMrs. Graham was appointed as Board Representative for the Grant County Child and Youth Council.

There was a discussion on the staffing assignments for the 2006-2007 school year.